History Extra podcast
Women's bodies: an unreliable history
Jan 20, 2025
Helen King, a Professor Emerita of Classical Studies, dives deep into the complex history of women's bodies. She explores captivating themes like the dual identity of breasts—nourishment versus sexuality—and the societal pressures surrounding breastfeeding and virginity. King highlights how misconceptions about anatomy, such as the duality of the womb, shaped female identity and roles. The conversation addresses the absurdities of legal views on virginity and advocates for a broader understanding of femininity beyond physical appearance.
39:10
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Quick takeaways
- The historical perceptions of women's bodies, particularly regarding the clitoris and hymen, reveal systemic doubts about women's autonomy and rights.
- The evolving narratives surrounding breasts and the womb illustrate the complexities of femininity, balancing between reverence, stigma, and societal expectations.
Deep dives
The Historical Journey of Women's Bodies
The podcast discusses the evolving perceptions surrounding women's bodies throughout history, emphasizing four body parts: breasts, clitoris, hymen, and womb. Professor Helen King explains how these parts have historically shaped societal views on femininity and women's roles. For instance, beliefs about the clitoris were once dismissed, demonstrating a gap in understanding women's anatomy, which in turn influenced women's rights and agency. Kings suggests that acknowledging this complex history can help illuminate how contemporary views of women's bodies are still informed by past misconceptions.
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